A kids’ MTB with the DNA of a full-size trail bike? The SCOTT Genius 700 was designed specifically for the needs of young shredders and combines 150 mm of travel and 27,5” wheels, catering for riders from 1.45 m tall. Who says that hard-core shredding is just for grown-ups? We tested the SCOTT Genius for you and found out that it’s anything but a toy!
Swiss bike manufacturer SCOTT is known for its modern designs and lightweight builds. Their extensive range covers everything from eMTBs and light cross-country bikes, to beefy downhill machines. But SCOTT didn’t forget about young riders either, and offers a variety of bikes for kids, from balance bikes to fully suspended models. With the SCOTT Genius 700, the Swiss manufacturer introduces their fourth kids-specific full-suspension trail bike, which has the longest travel in this segment.
The Genius 700 rolls on 27.5-inch wheels, offering a suitable ridefor for kids between 145 cm and 160 cm tall. The aluminium frame comes in just one size (S) and generates 150 mm of travel front and rear. The Genius 700 tips the scales at 14.7 kg and can be purchased for € 3,199 either directly from SCOTT’s website with free shipping or through an authorised dealer.
The SCOTT Genius 700 in detail
What does the SCOTT Genius 700 have in common with a surprise egg? With the Genius 700, SCOTT’s engineers placed integration high on their priority list, and the frame silhouette speaks for itself: the shock disappears inside the alloy frame as if by magic, and the design language is strongly reminiscent of the Genius 700’s big sibling, the Genius. The Swiss design employs the same discrete, thoughtful design language across their entire portfolio, and now also use it with their kids-specific bikes.. Nelson, a passionate Nino Schurter fan, is particularly fond of the bike’s design, which closely mirrors SCOTT’s adult models – a real plus that makes him feel like a pro on the trail. His friends? They’re definitely jealous! Jackpot!
The frame features a practical bottle cage mount on the downtube, keeping young racers hydrated even on hot summer days. Just like with SCOTT’s adult models, the cables are routed internally and disappear into the frame through the head tube, only to reappear shortly before the component where they’re needed.
SCOTT’s engineers also provided the frame with expensive protection frame: a generously sized chainstay guard prevents paint chips and chain slap, ensuring a quiet ride on the trail . A removable skid plate covers the shock and can be easily removed at the push of a button. While this is perfect for on-the-fly adjustments, you might get dirty fingers while taking off the cover! To adjust the rebound, you’ll have to flip the SCOTT Genius upside down, so watch out for the handlebars! However, at 15 kg, the bike is a handful for kids, so your little one might need some help to turn it on its head.
SCOTT print the schock’s air setting recommendations on the inside of the service flap, making it easier to set up the suspension. Moreover, an external, magnetic sag indicator on the main pivot point enables precise sag readings. To access the shock with a pump, you only have to remove the service flap.
The specs of the SCOTT Genius 700
The children-specific SCOTT Genius comes equipped with an X-Fusion suspension. The 150 mm Sweep Boost RC air fork relies on a special Air Kids Tune and is tailored to the lighter weight and specific needs of young riders. The fork is paired with an enclosed X-Fusion 02 Pro R Trunnion KIDS air shock,which is the same SCOTT’s adult bikes. The shock generates 150 mm of travel and is tuned specifically for children’s lighter weight.
The in-house Syncros Dropper Ducan seat post offers 80 mm of travel and is paired with a handlebar remote, ensuring plenty offreedom of movement on the trail – a must for both young and adult riders. Nice!
Shifting is taken care of by a cable-operated, 12-speed SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain, while Shimano BR-MT500 brakes with big 203/180 mm rotors (f/r) do stopping duties. The cockpit consists of a 40 mm LEADTEC stem and SCOTT’s in-house, 740 mm Syncros handlebars. It’s great to see that SCOTT deliberately use shorter handlebars to suit the anatomical requirements of small riders. Additionally, the 155 mm SRAM cranks are a perfect match for for shorter legs.
The Genius 700 rolls out of the factory on 27.5” Maxxis Dissector tires front and rear. SCOTT rely on the lightweight EXO casing, which is an excellent choice given the bike’s heavy system weight. At the same time, the EXO casing provides sufficient puncture protection for kids. However, we would swap the hard Dual Compound rubber compound with the softer 3C compound for more traction. The Dissector is fast-rolling, predictable tire, and excels on hard surfaces like those you get in bike parks. This allows young riders to fully enjoy their time on the trails and make the most of the bike’s capabilities.
SCOTT Genius 700
Specifications
Fork X-Fusion Sweep Boost 150 mm
Rear Shock X-Fusion 02Pro R Trunnion KIDS 150 mm
Seatpost Syncros 80 mm
Brakes Shimano BR-MT500 203/180 mm
Drivetrain SRAM SX Eagle 1x12
Stem LEADTEC 40 mm
Handlebar SYNCORS Hixon 2.0 Alloy 740 mm
Wheelset Syncros X-30S 27.5"
Tires MAXXIS Dissector DualCompound EXO/ MAXXIS Dissector DualCompound EXO 2.4"
Technical Data
Size S (one size)
Tuning tip: Serious shredders can upgrade the tires of the SCOTT Genius to the tougher, more durable EXO+ casing.
The geometry of the SCOTT Genius 700
The SCOTT Genius 700 comes in just one size (S) and a full-27.5” wheel setup. It combines 442.5 mm reach and 440 mm chainstays – the same length as the full-size SCOTT Genius ST 900 Tuned model. However, given the smaller wheels and longer reach, slightly shorter chainstays could improve agility for young riders.
| Size | S |
|---|---|
| Reach | 442.5 mm |
| Stack | 601.9 mm |
| Chainstay | 440 mm |
| BB Height | 313 mm |
| Max Seatpost Insertion | 173 mm |
| Head Tube Angle | 65.4° |
| Seat Angle | 78.7° |
| Top Tube Horizontal | 562.7 mm |
| Head Tube Length | 90 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1185.9 mm |
The SCOTT Genius 700 on the trail
Before hitting the trail, Nelson’s setup requires a quick adjustment. Bottle in the holder, and off he goes! The sporty riding position is slightly front-heavy and puts a little pressure on the hands – the ideal prerequisites for the short, steep climbs we come across on our fast-paced laps on Stuttgart’s trails or in the bike park. However, this position is less suited for long days in the saddle. At 146 cm tall, Nelson finds the bike well-proportioned, and the long dropper post gives him room to grow. The drivetrain works smoothly, and the gear ratio is well-suited for steep climbs.
On the trail, the tires generate plenty of grip in dry conditions, while the integrated riding position inspires Nelson with plenty of confidence. However, the Dissector reaches its limits in wet conditions. Nelson can really push the SCOTT Genius and has noticeably more fun than with his hardtail, especially on rooty trails. The fork and shock perform well and use their full travel. The bike’s weight improves traction and stability, particularly on technical trails. The Shimano brakes provide reliable, powerful deceleration, and the adjustable levers can be easily adapted to the smaller hands of kids.
Who should take a closer look at the SCOTT Genius 700?
The SCOTT Genius 700 Kids Bike was developed for young shredders from around 1.45 m tall who want to push their limits on demanding trails. It’s particularly suited for kids with a mountain biking background who want to improve their skills. Given the relatively heavy system weight, the Genius 700 is better suited for short, intense rides and bike park sessions rather than long tours.
Our conclusions about the SCOTT Genius 700 kids bike
The Genius 700 delivers a genuine trail experience with plenty of fun for young shredders. However, with its hefty aluminium frame, it’s almost as heavy as an adult bike, which can be tiring for young riders over time. The clean design, closely mirroring the adult bikes, is a real hit with kids, and the high-quality components leave little to be desired.
Tops
- Big brake rotors
- Long-travel dropper post
- Inspires tons of confidence downhill
- Clean design
Flops
- Heavy
For more information, visit scott-sports.com
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Words: Antonia Feder Photos: Julian Schwede
